BACKING BUSINESS: SEASONAL SWINGS & SCALING UP

Could elite bowler, Nathan Lyon, inspire your peak season business gameplan? How well do you know your customers’ seasonal behaviour? Download the full magazine to find out.

What’s in this magazine snapshot

• Seasonal swings: managing the highs and lows
• Real stories: why backing local matters
• Winning with AI: top tech tips for 2026
• Download E2 of Backing Business magazine

Here's a taste of what's inside your Summer 2025 edition of Backing Business magazine. Get seasonal takes and advice from cash flow experts. Featuring stories from customers who grew, with the help of a little Westpac.

Seasonal swings: managing the highs and lows  

What to watch in 2026, page 6 

Luci, Westpac Group Chief Economist, shares her fresh perspective on the economy, and its likely impacts for SMEs in the run-up to summer. Good news: “momentum should continue to firm into 2026”.

Riding out the peaks & troughs, page 14

Looking to smooth the ride through seasonal highs and lows? MYOB and Westpac have teamed up to bring you our practical strategy and smart tools. Tip: slower periods can give you an opportunity to recalibrate.

Moreover, Westpac Business One Account customers can get the first MYOB year free + 20% off the next 2 years.

Business trends, page 5

Take a deep dive into business growth numbers and current trends. Discover the top 3 industries with the largest increase in businesses of 2024-25, as well as the percentage of SMEs using AI, by industry. We also reveal the industry nailing the top spot with the highest number of new businesses.

Real stories: why backing local matters more than ever 

Scaling up with out of the box ideas, page 16

Australia’s love of running seems boundless. And few understand that better than the family behind premium running retailer, RunDNA. From humble beginnings in the 80s to high-tech modern retail, their journey shows how smart growth, strong cash flow and a deep banking relationship can power lasting success. 

Swing into growth, page 8

Scaling up a small business takes grit and resilience, but support can help. Meet Lara – co-founder of an OT clinic designed for neurodivergent children and their families. Lara’s advice? “Everything has a risk... identify what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not.”

Meet proud Quandamooka woman, Elisha. She grew Yura Tours, despite launching the business during the pandemic. Elisha's tip for scaling up? “Focus on what you’re good at and outsource what you’re not good at.” 

Hear how Ben, owner of Latin Deli, arrived in Sydney from Venezuela with a suitcase and a dream. As his business grew, cash flow became a battle. Ben says he now moves about 200 containers per year, thanks to persistence and strong relationships with Westpac bankers.

One with the locals, page 22 

Local banker Michael wears many hats in the Geraldton community, from bowling club treasurer to footy dad and small business champion. Of course, it’s not just who you know, it’s what you know.

Hear how a Fast Track Credit Offer allowed Van to buy his next bakery within a two-week timeframe, take possession of the business and keep trading without a gap. Keen to explore growing your business, an overdraft, equipment finance or anything else? Book a callback from a business banker.

Winning with AI: top tech tips for 2026

Harder to smarter, page 26

Australia’s small and medium businesses are on track to unlock $9.3 billion in economic value and create 1.4 million jobs by 2030, according to a study from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Accenture. 

Download and share the full magazine 

Imagine how a little Westpac can help your business grow. Explore the full Summer 2025 edition of Backing Business. Share it with your team to fuel your 2026 plans. And if you’d like to be featured in the next edition, reach out to your local business banker.

We’d love to hear what you think – and what you’d like us to cover next. We want to help you thrive and we’re excited to share your stories.